Wanted Vehicle Removed from Special Protected Area; Charges Filed Against Patrol Officer and Two Others

According to data received from the National Security Service of Armenia, factual data has been obtained in a criminal case initiated by the Anti-Corruption Committee regarding the actions of Patrol Officer O.S., who is a senior patrol officer in the Shirak Province police force, and who allegedly encouraged his colleague, Patrol Officer A.H., to misuse his official powers to the detriment of the state and official interests, causing damage exceeding 1 million 300 thousand AMD to the lawful interests of the state and the organization.

The Investigative Committee reports that specifically, on March 16, 2023, a vehicle of the Mercedes-Benz brand that was wanted was discovered by the police and transferred the same day to the Shirak Province patrol service's “Special Area” by the Enforcement Service of the Ministry of Justice. Subsequently, resident G.H. from Gyumri approached senior patrol officer O.S. for the return of this vehicle to its owner without legal grounds. O.S., not denying G.H.’s request, on March 20, 2023, contacted his colleague, Patrol Officer A.H., persuading him to commit an offense by urging him to return the vehicle to its owner without removing the reasons for seizing the vehicle, in violation of legal requirements.

As a result, A.H., under the instigation of O.S. and G.H., utilized his official powers to the detriment of state and official interests, allowing the vehicle owner to remove it from the ‘Special Area’ and continue driving. A.H.’s actions caused significant damage to the state and organization, as a result of which more than 1 million 300 thousand AMD worth of property was not reclaimed from the debtor. Consequently, the vehicle, which was under investigation, was returned to its owner without legal grounds.

On July 21, 2023, charges were filed against patrol officer O.S. under the first part of Article 46-441 of the RA Criminal Code, against patrol officer A.H. under the first part of Article 441, and against G.H. under the first part of Article 46-441. The investigation is ongoing.